Description: The assignment this week is to reflect on ourselves as online learners. How do we perceive ourselves as learners and what can we do make ourselves more successful in the online learning process?
Impact: I am what is known as a non-traditional student. The translation for that term is older than the average student. I obtained my first degree in 1987. At that time, there was one computer on my dorm floor and it was barely more than a word processor let alone an instrument of online learning. It was not until twenty-two years later that I took my first online course. I had heard others talking about online courses and to me it seemed to be the perfect idea. Taking courses from the comfort of my home sounded like bliss. I could work when I wanted to as long as my assignments were turned on time. I quickly became aware that although the convenience of online courses is nice, there is a needed self discipline to complete the assignments. Although the instructors post a syllabus of what is due on a weekly basis, I had to make a schedule for myself when reading assignments would be accomplished on a daily basis. Furthermore, I had to hold myself to this schedule. I also had to work on one of my known weaknesses-organization. I have long known that I am a disorganized person. However, disorganization is an even larger hindrance than normal with the self-imposed discipline schedule.
Intent: I have been successful in my online learning experience thus far. Even though I still have to work on my organization skills and adhering to my schedule, I have made measurable strides this year. At times I do miss the face to face setting of traditional classes. There is a camaraderie that is formed when people meet in the same room over the span of a school semester. This pales however when compared to the convenience of the online classroom. I have found that, with patience, all questions will be answered. I have found that instructors are more than willing to guide me through assignments if issues were to arise.
I have many online courses in my future. I will continue to overcome my “non-traditional” old student ways and emerge successful.
Impact: I am what is known as a non-traditional student. The translation for that term is older than the average student. I obtained my first degree in 1987. At that time, there was one computer on my dorm floor and it was barely more than a word processor let alone an instrument of online learning. It was not until twenty-two years later that I took my first online course. I had heard others talking about online courses and to me it seemed to be the perfect idea. Taking courses from the comfort of my home sounded like bliss. I could work when I wanted to as long as my assignments were turned on time. I quickly became aware that although the convenience of online courses is nice, there is a needed self discipline to complete the assignments. Although the instructors post a syllabus of what is due on a weekly basis, I had to make a schedule for myself when reading assignments would be accomplished on a daily basis. Furthermore, I had to hold myself to this schedule. I also had to work on one of my known weaknesses-organization. I have long known that I am a disorganized person. However, disorganization is an even larger hindrance than normal with the self-imposed discipline schedule.
Intent: I have been successful in my online learning experience thus far. Even though I still have to work on my organization skills and adhering to my schedule, I have made measurable strides this year. At times I do miss the face to face setting of traditional classes. There is a camaraderie that is formed when people meet in the same room over the span of a school semester. This pales however when compared to the convenience of the online classroom. I have found that, with patience, all questions will be answered. I have found that instructors are more than willing to guide me through assignments if issues were to arise.
I have many online courses in my future. I will continue to overcome my “non-traditional” old student ways and emerge successful.